A Great Honor Band Concert

Sorry, but I have to brag a little again. Our third day in Long Beach was dedicated to the dress rehearsal and performance of the All Southern California Honor Band in which my daughter was the first chair flute. She had several featured parts and the entire ensemble did a great job with only two long days of rehearsal. More than 1,000 kids tried out for 280 slots in the four honor groups, so the competition was tough.

My folks came up to Long Beach for the concert and we all got a picture together.


Emily's flute teacher and her husband also made the trip from Southern Orange County, and we appreciate their support.

The concert was held in the Karen and Richard Carpenter Performing Arts Center. If you don't recognize those names, you're too young, but the Carpenters were huge pop stars during the 1970's and attended Cal State Long Beach. The lobby of the Center includes many artifacts from the Carpenter's career, including a wall full of gold and platinum records, photos of the Carpenters with various other celebrities, Grammys, American Music Awards, etc. It's kind of sad to see in a way because the Carpenters would probably still be touring in some fashion today had Karen not died from an eating disorder.

It's a great place to attend an event, with stadium seating that gives everybody a good view. The musicians today had the opportunity to play on a first class stage, and a good time was had by all.